TWRA Declares "Operation Striking Distance" a Success

June 28, 2007

TWRA
Photo

Nashville, Tennessee - The Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency (TWRA)
announced today that it has successfully completed a state-wide
undercover investigative operation targeting individuals who were
trafficking in venomous reptiles, resulting in arrests and animal
confiscations across the state.

Since its commencement in September of 2006, “Operation Striking
Distance” has resulted in seven persons being arrested or cited
within Tennessee, with six more persons to be charged. TWRA
officers and investigators have seized more than 100 venomous
snakes, alligators, and turtles.

“I am greatly pleased with the work of our investigators and
officers,” said TWRA Chief of Enforcement Sonny Richardson. “This
was a complex investigation, involving the cooperation of many
people in four different areas that subsequently resulted in
potentially hazardous animals being prevented from causing harm to
the public.”

The deadly snakes and other animals were seized in seven counties
across the state ranging from Memphis to Johnson City. According
to investigators, there were children present in some of the homes
where venomous snakes were found. Snakes that were seized included
an assortment of non-native species such as cobras and exotic
vipers as well as various types of rattlesnakes and native
poisonous snakes.

While some area hospitals carry antivenom for treating bites from
native snake species, there are only a handful of facilities in
the entire southeast region that are equipped to handle an
emergency involving an exotic snake such as a gaboon viper or
monocled cobra.

Tennessee law prohibits the sale, importation and ownership of
venomous snakes and alligators. Also prohibited is the sale and
possession of any type of turtle as a pet. If you know of someone
who owns animals that fall into these categories, you are
encouraged to contact the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at
(615)781-6580 to report the individual. Please consult this Web
site for more information regarding the Agency and its authority.